Methods and apparatus for playing a coin flipping game

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for playing games of skill and/or chance are provided.

This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/964,941 to Wichinsky, which was filed on Aug. 17, 2007, and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example game that may be played in some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following sections I-X provide a guide to interpreting the present application.

I. Terms

The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition of matter, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “process” means any process, algorithm, method or the like, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a “step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in the mere recitation of the term ‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, any reference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficient antecedent basis.

The term “invention” and the like mean “the one or more inventions disclosed in this application”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “another embodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “variation” of an invention means an embodiment of the invention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present application, including anything which may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the phrase “at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel” means either (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel. The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality of things does not mean “one of each of” the plurality of things.

Numerical terms such as “one”, “two”, etc. when used as cardinal numbers to indicate quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), mean the quantity indicated by that numerical term, but do not mean at least the quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase “one widget” does not mean “at least one widget”, and therefore the phrase “one widget” does not cover, e.g., two widgets.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describes both “based only on” and “based at least on”. The phrase “based at least on” is equivalent to the phrase “based at least in part on”.

The term “represent” and like terms are not exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the term “represents” does not mean “represents only”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “the data represents a credit card number” describes both “the data represents only a credit card number” and “the data represents a credit card number and the data also represents something else”.

The term “whereby” is used herein only to precede a clause or other set of words that express only the intended result, objective or consequence of something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when the term “whereby” is used in a claim, the clause or other words that the term “whereby” modifies do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.

The term “e.g.” and like terms mean “for example”, and thus does not limit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure) over the Internet”, the term “e.g.” explains that “instructions” are an example of “data” that the computer may send over the Internet, and also explains that “a data structure” is an example of “data” that the computer may send over the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “a data structure” are merely examples of “data”, and other things besides “instructions” and “a data structure” can be “data”.

The term “respective” and like terms mean “taken individually”. Thus if two or more things have “respective” characteristics, then each such thing has its own characteristic, and these characteristics can be different from each other but need not be. For example, the phrase “each of two machines has a respective function” means that the first such machine has a function and the second such machine has a function as well. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the function of the second machine.

The term “i.e.” and like terms mean “that is”, and thus limits the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “the computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet”, the term “i.e.” explains that “instructions” are the “data” that the computer sends over the Internet.

Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions of numbers within the range. For example, the range “1 to 10” shall be interpreted to specifically include whole numbers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9).

Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., because of an explicit statement that the terms or phrases are synonymous), instances of one such term/phrase does not mean instances of another such term/phrase must have a different meaning. For example, where a statement renders the meaning of “including” to be synonymous with “including but not limited to”, the mere usage of the phrase “including but not limited to” does not mean that the term “including” means something other than “including but not limited to”.

II. Determining

The term “determining” and grammatical variants thereof (e.g., to determine a price, determining a value, determine an object which meets a certain criterion) is used in an extremely broad sense. The term “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and therefore “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply certainty or absolute precision, and therefore “determining” can include estimating, extrapolating, predicting, guessing and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply that mathematical processing must be performed, and does not imply that numerical methods must be used, and does not imply that an algorithm or process is used.

The term “determining” does not imply that any particular device must be used. For example, a computer need not necessarily perform the determining.

III. Forms of Sentences

Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least one widget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses a definite article “the” to refer to the limitation (e.g., “the widget”), this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget and more than one widget).

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature that is described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a “first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a “second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any other relationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate any other characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widget occurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as in importance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit to the features identified with the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate that there must be no more than two widgets.

When a single device, article or other product is described herein, more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may alternatively be used in place of the single device/article that is described. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate).

Similarly, where more than one device, article or other product is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device/article may alternatively be used in place of the more than one device or article that is described. For example, a plurality of computer-based devices may be substituted with a single computer-based device. Accordingly, the various functionality that is described as being possessed by more than one device or article may alternatively be possessed by a single device/article.

The functionality and/or the features of a single device that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are described but are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but rather can include the one or more other devices which would, in those other embodiments, have such functionality/features.

IV. Disclosed Examples and Terminology are not Limiting

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of the present application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of the present application) is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scope of the disclosed invention(s), is to be used in interpreting the meaning of any claim or is to be used in limiting the scope of any claim. An Abstract has been included in this application merely because an Abstract is required under 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

The title of the present application and headings of sections provided in the present application are for convenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Numerous embodiments are described in the present application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Though an embodiment may be disclosed as including several features, other embodiments of the invention may include fewer than all such features. Thus, for example, a claim may be directed to less than the entire set of features in a disclosed embodiment, and such claim would not include features beyond those features that the claim expressly recites.

No embodiment of method steps or product elements described in the present application constitutes the invention claimed herein, or is essential to the invention claimed herein, or is coextensive with the invention claimed herein, except where it is either expressly stated to be so in this specification or expressly recited in a claim.

The preambles of the claims that follow recite purposes, benefits and possible uses of the claimed invention only and do not limit the claimed invention.

The present disclosure is not a literal description of all embodiments of the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure is not a listing of features of the invention(s) which must be present in all embodiments.

All disclosed embodiment are not necessarily covered by the claims (even including all pending, amended, issued and canceled claims). In addition, an embodiment may be (but need not necessarily be) covered by several claims. Accordingly, where a claim (regardless of whether pending, amended, issued or canceled) is directed to a particular embodiment, such is not evidence that the scope of other claims do not also cover that embodiment.

Devices that are described as in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine in communication with another machine via the Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for long period of time (e.g. weeks at a time). In addition, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features does not imply that all or even any of such components/features are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no component/feature is essential or required.

Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described or claimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order possible. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps, that does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s) include other processes that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step is essential or required.

Although a process may be described singly or without reference to other products or methods, in an embodiment the process may interact with other products or methods. For example, such interaction may include linking one business model to another business model. Such interaction may be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of the process.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, that does not indicate that any or all of the plurality are preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s) include other products that omit some or all of the described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, a PDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list are comprehensive of any category.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are equivalent to each other or readily substituted for each other.

All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the invention or any embodiments were made or performed, as the case may be.

V. Computing

It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various processes described herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) will receive instructions (e.g., from a memory or like device), and execute those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may be embodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more scripts.

A “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or like devices or any combination thereof, regardless of the architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing/multi-core, RISC, CISC, Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipelining configuration, simultaneous multithreading).

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of an apparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that performs the process can include, e.g., a processor and those input devices and output devices that are appropriate to perform the process.

Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as other types of data) may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software may be used instead of software only.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, a plurality of the same, or a combination of different media, that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures) which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying data (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, data may be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii) carried over a wireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or transmitted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G; and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of a computer-readable medium storing a program for performing the process. The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate format) those program elements which are appropriate to perform the method.

Just as the description of various steps in a process does not indicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments of an apparatus include a computer/computing device operable to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described process.

Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a process does not indicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments of a computer-readable medium storing a program or data structure include a computer-readable medium storing a program that, when executed, can cause a processor to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described process.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries can be different from those described herein. Further, despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a database can be used to implement various processes, such as the described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known manner, be stored locally or remotely from a device which accesses data in such a database.

Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network environment including a computer that is in communication (e.g., via a communications network) with one or more devices. The computer may communicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via any wired or wireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, a satellite communications link, a combination of any of the above). Each of the devices may themselves comprise computers or other computing devices, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® or Centrino™ processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any number and type of devices may be in communication with the computer.

In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority may not be necessary or desirable. For example, the present invention may, in an embodiment, be practiced on one or more devices without a central authority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein as performed by the server computer or data described as stored on the server computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or more such devices.

Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process may operate without any user intervention. In another embodiment, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or with the assistance of a human).

VI. Continuing Applications

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of priority of the present application.

Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present application.

VII. 35 U.S.C. § 112, Paragraph 6

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the phrase “means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, applies to that limitation.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase “means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whether that limitation recites a function without recitation of structure, material or acts for performing that function. For example, in a claim, the mere use of the phrase “step of” or the phrase “steps of” in referring to one or more steps of the claim or of another claim does not mean that 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).

With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, the corresponding structure, material or acts described in the specification, and equivalents thereof, may perform additional functions as well as the specified function.

Computers, processors, computing devices and like products are structures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such products can be operable to perform a specified function by executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in a memory device of that product or in a memory device which that product accesses. Unless expressly specified otherwise, such a program need not be based on any particular algorithm, such as any particular algorithm that might be disclosed in the present application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art that a specified function may be implemented via different algorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a mere design choice for carrying out the specified function.

Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, structure corresponding to a specified function includes any product programmed to perform the specified function. Such structure includes programmed products which perform the function, regardless of whether such product is programmed with (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing the function, (ii) an algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or (iii) a different algorithm for performing the function.

Where there is recited a means for performing a function that is a method, one structure for performing this method includes a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware to perform that function.

Also included is a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware to perform that function via other algorithms as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

VIII. Disclaimer

Numerous references to a particular embodiment do not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of additional, different embodiments, and similarly references to the description of embodiments which all include a particular feature do not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of embodiments which do not include that particular feature. A clear disclaimer or disavowal in the present application shall be prefaced by the phrase “does not include” or by the phrase “cannot perform”.

IX. Incorporation by Reference

Any patent, patent application or other document referred to herein is incorporated by reference into this patent application as part of the present disclosure, but only for purposes of written description and enablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 1, and should in no way be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe any term of the present application, unless without such incorporation by reference, no ordinary meaning would have been ascertainable by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Such person of ordinary skill in the art need not have been in any way limited by any embodiments provided in the reference

Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself, imply any endorsement of, ratification of or acquiescence in any statements, opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in any incorporated patent, patent application or other document, unless explicitly specified otherwise in this patent application.

X. Prosecution History

In interpreting the present application (which includes the claims), one of ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the prosecution history of the present application, but not to the prosecution history of any other patent or patent application, regardless of whether there are other patent applications that are considered related to the present application, and regardless of whether there are other patent applications that share a claim of priority with the present application.

XI. Embodiments

Games of various types enable players to wager on various activities. A wager may include a bet of money or any other item of value (e.g., chips, coins, dollars, gold, credit, labor, stocks, bonds, etc.). The result of a wager may be determined based on an outcome of an event or events (e.g., whether an event occurs or does not occur, how much of a particular event occurs, who wins a race, who comes in second in a race, whether a card is drawn, if one hand beats another hand, where a roulette ball drops, which balls are drawn in a lottery, and so on). The results of a wager may include, an amount paid to one or more players of a game and/or an amount owed by one or more players of a game.

Games may include physical activity, such as movement of tokens, cards, and so on. Games may include virtual activity, such as simulated movement of cards, simulated physics, and so on. Games may be played in a physical table or machine version. Games may be played in a computerized virtual version, such as on a computer. Various embodiments are described in a physical version, but it should be understood that other embodiments may include virtual games with similar characteristics.

In some embodiments, a game may include one or more surface elements 101. Such surface elements may be able to support one or more tokens 103. A token may include any item, such as a coin, a dollar, a stone, a diamond, a stock certificate, and so on. A plurality of tokens may be positioned on the surface element in any number and in any arrangement. A surface element may include a shelf, a flat surface, a curved surface, a stationary surface, a moveable surface, and/or any other type of surface on which one or more tokens may be supported.

In some embodiments, a game may include one or more propelling elements 105. The propelling element may be operable to propel one or more tokens or other items. A propelling element may for example, apply a force to a token causing the token to move in a direction at a speed. The propelling element may include, for example, a gun, a sling, air pressurized actuator or any other element capable of applying a force to an object. The force may be a function of an input from a player, a random force, a fixed force, etc.

In one aspect of some embodiments of a game, a propelling element may be operated to propel an object (e.g., a token) to a location relative to one of the one or more surface elements. For example, a propelling element may propel a token in a direction of a surface element. The token may land on or near the surface element.

In some embodiments, operation of a propelling element may be based on input from a player. In some implementations, a player may, for example, use a dial, a joystick, a button, and/or any other input device 107 to control a propelling element. In some implementations, a skill of the user may determine a result of the player's use of the propelling element. For example, a player may select a direction in which the propelling element propels a token (e.g., by moving a dial, a joystick, a button, the propelling element itself, etc.). For example, a player may select a force which the propelling element propels a token (e.g., by operating a button, a joystick, a dial, the propelling element itself, etc.). In some implementations, a player may select a direction and/or force within ranges (e.g., within a maximum and minimum force).

In some embodiments, a game may include one or more rake elements 109. A rake element may include a piece of metal, and/or any other type element that may be moved and may move tokens in its path. In some embodiments, the rake elements may move one or more tokens on one or more surface elements. A rake element may move along a surface element in a path and push tokens and/or other items that are in the path in the direction of the rake movement (e.g., towards a player, towards an edge of the surface element, etc.). The rake movement may be towards an edge of a shelf. The rake may move up to a minimum distance from the edge of the shelf. Accordingly, all tokens up to that distance may be pushed towards the edge of the shelf when the rake element moves along the path up to that distance.

In some embodiments, movement of a rake element may cause one or more tokens or other elements positioned in the path of the rake element to be pushed by the rake element towards the edge of a surface element. The token may apply a force to one or more other tokens or items which may move toward the edge of the shelf too. Those tokens may similarly apply a force to other tokens and so on and so on. The forces applied to the various tokens on the shelf may cause one or more of the tokens to be pushed off the shelf.

In some implementations, a number and/or type of tokens that are pushed off a surface element by one or more rake elements may be used to determine an outcome of a game. For example, if a player uses a propelling element to propel a token to a path of a rake element and the rake element causes the token to push other tokens off the surface element, the player may win a game. The play may win a game if one token falls off the surface element, if a plurality of tokens fall off the surface element, and so on. The player may win an amount that is in proportion to the number of tokens that fall off the surface element. In some implementations, some tokens may be worth more than other tokens. In some implementations, if no tokens fall of the surface element, then a player may lose a game.

In some embodiments, a rake element may move one or more tokens that are not on the one or more surface elements. For example, a rake element may move a token that intersects the rake elements path while moving through the air (e.g., before landing on a shelf after being propelled from a propelling element).

In some embodiments, a player may enter money to be used to wager on a game (e.g., coins, dollars, etc. through an interface. In some implementations, the interface may include a coin depositor or token depositor. The coin or token deposited may be coupled to the propelling element so that a deposited token may be used by the propelling element. In other implementations, another token may be used by the propelling element other than the deposited token. The token used by the propelling element and the coin or token entered may have the same or different value. In some implementations, dollar bills may be entered (e.g., through a dollar bill reader), and tokens may be used by propelling element provider to propel tokens that are not the dollar bill. A token may be a quarter for example, and a dollar bill may lead to 4 quarters being propelled (together, in sequence, etc.). In some implementations, a game may include a credit card input. The player may enter a credit card to be charged for each play or enter a number of plays to be charged to a credit card or debit card. In some implementations, the system may use a ticket in ticket out system in which a user places an amount of money on a card that can be used at a plurality of games (e.g., similar to a debit card). Winnings may be added to the ticket and losing or wagers deducted from the ticket.

In some implementations, tokens may be automatically loaded into a propelling element until a game session is ended (e.g., until an amount of money entered in a game has been used). In other implementations, a player may need to load a new token to start a new game session,

In some embodiments, a game may be played automatically for one or more rounds. For example, a player may enter an amount to be wagered and a number of rounds to be played for that amount of money. In some implementations, each round may be a minimum amount of money. In some implementations, a machine may automatically play that number of rounds. For example, the machine may propel the number of tokens. The propelling may be done according to parameters entered by a player (E.g., at an angle of X at a force of Y), at random levels, at fixed levels, in a range of levels, and so on. Such implementations may allow the play of multiple games at a speed that a human player may not be able to achieve.

In some implementations, tokens may be used in the game that have limited use to within the game. Tokens may be repopulated on the shelf periodically. Tokens thus may not be handled by players outside the environment of the game thereby eliminating an opportunity to introduce false tokens or modified tokens into the environment that might otherwise affect the play of the game. When players enter money into a money accepting interface, a token may be loaded into the propelling element. The motion may be configured to appear to correspond to the placement of the player's token into the propelling element. In some implementations, the token may include a quarter that is a different quarter form a quarter entered by a user. In some implementations, a glass or other piece of material may separate the environment of a game from a player keeping the tokens and other elements of a game safe from intervention by a player.

In some implementations, tokens on one or more surface elements may be repopulated periodically. Repopulating tokens may include automatically propelling a number of tokens and pushing a rake to its maximum level one or more times.

In some implementations, an electrical and/or mechanical timing element may be used to influence a length of play of a game. For example, a timing element may limit or extend the amount of time taken to load a token into a propelling element. The timing unit may artificially increase an amount of time between loading tokens into the propelling unit, the timing unit may increase a time for the propelling unit to act (e.g., in a Rubb Golderg like fashion).

In some implementations, a propelling element may include a rotating turret or other aiming element that may be aimed by a player of the game. A token may be fired along the direction of the turret. Other implementations may include any other aiming ability that may allow a user to aim a propelling element. The aiming may be exact, limited to ranges of areas, and so on. In some implementations the propelling element may allow for vertical and/or horizontal aiming.

In some implementations one or more of the surface elements may move along a predetermined and/or random path. One or more rake elements may move along with such surface elements. Movement of the surface elements may be facilitated by one or more motors, for example. Movement of the surface elements may increase a level of fun and/or difficult of a game.

In some implementations, one or more rake elements may be selectively moved. Rake elements may be moved at a combination of speed and distance (e.g., slow but farther, not far but fast, etc.). In some implementations, size of a rake element may be chosen and/or affect a speed and/or distance the rake element is moved. For example, a large rake may be moved not far but a small rake may be moved far. Players may select one or more rake movements and/or sizes to attempt to push the token over the edge. Selecting the rake may include an element of skill to determine which if any rake may push the token over the edge and which factors of rake movement may result in the rake pushing the token over the edge.

In some embodiments, a projector element may include a sling shot. A sling shot may place a token in a center region of an elastic element. The elastic element may be stretched in a direction. The elastic element may be allowed to return to an outstretched position and in so doing may result in the projection of the token. The distance the elastic element is stretched may correspond to a force applied to the token to project the token. In some implementation, a user may be able to stretch the elastic element directly, through an interface (e.g., a lever, a button, a dial, etc.). In other implementations, the elastic element may be stretched to a predetermined distance or one of a selectable predetermined distances.

In some implementations, one or more buttons may be used to operate a game. The buttons may include solenoid based switches. Such solenoid based switches may operate to provide fast response to a player selection of a button.

In some implementations, tokens may be reactive to magnetic fields and one or more buttons may be used to operate a solenoid that adjusts a magnetic field to allow pulling or pushing of tokens through magnetism. Such pulling of tokens through magnetism may be similar to raking but without use of a rake element. The magnetic field may be controlled by a current applied to the solenoid. The current ma be selected by a player (e.g., by adjusting a dial, etc.).

In some implementations a player may have influence on the positioning of tokens on the one or more surface elements before game play. For example, a player may manually place the tokens on the surface elements as the player sees fit, players may select form a plurality of patterns of other parameters that affect the placement (e.g., many tokens far from an edge vs. few tokens close to an edge) of the tokens and so on.

In some embodiments, a game may include one or more basket elements 111. A basket element may include a circle, square, rectangular, trapezoidal or other shape that defines an area. In some implementations, if a token passes through the basket (e.g., through the area defined by the shape), a payout or bonus may be given to the player. In some implementations, the basket may be above a surface element so that the token may only be able to go through the basket if the token is propelled through the basket before it hits the surface element. In other implementations, the basket may be below the surface element, so that if tokens are pushed from the shelf, they may fall through the basket. The basket may be of any size or shape.

In some implementations, a basket may be of changing size, changing position (e.g., moving along a path), changing value, and so on. In some implementations, a plurality of baskets each corresponding to different payouts or bonuses may be provided. In some implementations, the diameter or area within a basket through which a token must pass may correspond to a payout for passing a through the basket.

In various embodiments, any apparatus or method may be used to determine if a token passes through the basket. For example, a motion detector, video recorder, magnetic detector, laser motion detector, and so on may be used to determine when a token passes through the basket.

In some implementations, speed of basket movement and/or size of baskets may be adjusted to adjust payouts associated with the baskets. For example, if basket speed is increased or basket size is decreased, the payouts may increase. In some implementations, the user may select from a plurality of optional pay tables that correspond to size and/or speed of movement of baskets.

In some implementations, one or more baskets may correspond to a progressive jackpot (e.g., if a token passes through the basket, a progressive jackpot may be won). Various requirements may be imposed to enable the progressive jackpot (e.g., an amount of money may need to be wagered, a basket size may need to be set to a level, a basket movement speed may need to be set to a level, and so on). In some implementations, for example, if a token passes through the basket, all tokens on one or more surface elements may be pushed off the edge.

In some implementations, one or more targets may be included in a game. A target may include an area in which a token may fall, a location that a token may hit (e.g., a wall at the back of the game) and so on. In some implementations, if the token hits and/or settles on the target, an additional payout or bonus may be provided to the player (e.g., a payout multiplier, a progressive jackpot, an extra game, etc.). A target may move from round to round (e.g., lasers may identify the new location, a mechanical movement may physically move a target, etc.) Any method of determining a target is hit or otherwise activated may be used (e.g., weight sensors, pressure sensors, magnetic sensors, video recorders, motion detectors, etc.). In some implementations, a portion of a shelf, for example, may be designed to appear like a dollar or special coin or other target that identifies the location of a target. Tokens that land or otherwise settle on the portion may be given a bonus of some sort.

In some embodiments, a game may include a token collector element. The token collector may collect tokens that fall off of surface elements. The token collector may determine a number of tokens that fall off the surface elements in a round of game play.

In some implementations, a game may be used as a secondary game for a primary game that includes a reel, wheel, video game, and or any other type of game. The game may be of a reduced size. The game may include being used as a bonus game. In some implementations, a game may include a virtual game that is played through a computer (e.g., on a monitor without an actual physical movement of coins and/or other elements). 

1. An apparatus comprising: a surface element configured to support a plurality of tokens; a basket element configure so that a token may pass though an area defined by the basket element; a rake element configured to push tokens on the surface element towards an edge of the surface element; a propelling element configured to propel a token in a direction towards the surface element and the basket element; and a token collector configured to determine a number of tokens that fall off the edge of the surface element.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the basket element is configured to move along a fixed path.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a token detector configured to determine whether a token passes through the area defined by the basket element. 